In Veritas Memento
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All aspects of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena are owned by Steven De Knight and Starz. This is for pure entertainment value alone.
This story takes place after the episode Missio, yet it veers completely into an A/U after the events of that episode. I am a huge fan of the series Spartacus; however, my favorite character is Gannicus. This is his story.
Warnings: M for a reason. This story is much like the show. It contains bad words and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now. Although, if cussing and nude scenes offend, are you sure you're a fan of Spartacus?! ;) Hehehe. Kidding. Anyhow, you've been warned.
Pairings: There are multiple pairings, and Gannicus has more than one partner in this story, however, Gannicus/Melitta is endgame. If reading Gannicus with multiple pairings offends you, again, turn back now.
A/N: This story has been rewritten, so, do not be surprised if much has changed if you have already read this.
Chapter 9: ad astra per aspera: To the stars through difficulties.
The Arena in Capua
As his party was ushered to the Pulvinus, Quintus Batiatus could barely keep the smirk off his face. For once it was he showing up after the noon day had passed, missing the early matches in favor of the more notable ones. Finally! After what had seemed a lifetime of Tullius handing him shit and telling him to be grateful, the House of Batiatus was being given deserved recognition! He noticed Tullius and Vettius wore the bitter smiles of men bested in their own games and that only made the moment sweeter. Quintus took a seat in the front row, next to Octavia, while his father assumed the position to his right at the end of the first row. As host of the Vinalia, Varis, had center chair with Cossutius, Tullius and the Magistrate on his left, completing the front row. Lucretia and Gaia were seated behind him, and when he turned to see if they were satisfied, he spied Vettius sitting next to them, reduced to the lesser seats in the back. The boy grimaced as if he had just been handed a bag of shit and asked to sample a bite. In that moment, Quintus could not help it…he grinned.
This was sweet revenge and he was savoring every drop.
*8*
Beneath the arena, Gannicus was sitting within one of the cages where the Gladiators were housed before their matches. Since he was in the Primus, he was housed alone in his cell. Crixus and Auctus were presently battling in the arena, while Barca and Gnaus had already finished their match. Barca had left the arena the victor, with Gnaus suffering several serious injuries; both men were at the medicus being patched up. Gnaus had been lucky this day, he had been spared death. In that, Gannicus had been relieved. He was not close to Gnaus. The man was fucking brute with the whores at times, and Gannicus did not stand for abusing a woman, but he did not dislike the man either, and had not wished to witness brother killing brother this day. Moreover, Barca would have suffered for taking a brother's life, even one he did not like personally.
He could hear the crowd roaring up in the arena, they were at a frenzy, and wondered at the cause. From personal experience, he knew that usually meant a bloody death within the arena. With brother fighting potential brother, neither option was pleasant. His mind went to the newest recruit, Crixus. The man had been thrown into a match without proper training, and Gannicus would normally give a recruit no chance at survival in such circumstance, but Crixus had the fire within to become a true gladiator. He was not without skill either. The Gaul had surprised when he had nearly taken him in that exhibition. Of course, Gannicus had toyed with him beforehand, but Crixus had proved he had talent as well as drive that day. The man had even broached him about becoming champion—before he even wore the fucking brand! It was unheard of but showed the spirit of a gladiator; a burning desire to defeat everyone who stands in your path to victory. Crixus had the makings of a true hero upon the sands one day. Gannicus only hoped his admittance into the brotherhood would not be at Auctus's expense.
His head was bowed in concentration as he fastened the ties that secured his leg guards when he heard his name being called. He glanced up when Oenomaus came to the bars.
Gannicus finished tying his lacing before he went over to where his old friend awaited. He noticed Oenomaus looking over his shoulder at the new galerus lying on the floor of his cell. It was the only thing he had left to put on in preparation for contest. Gannicus went and picked it up before coming back to stand before Oenomaus. "As you can see," he said, pulling the dual sleeved armor on, "my new benefactor would have me pampered and spoiled."
Oenomaus peered closely at the golden breastplate as Gannicus fastened the leather straps across his chest, taking note of the lion carved into the metal. "At least the lion suits you, she must realize its heart beats within your breast," the older man said, smiling fondly.
Task completed, Gannicus wrapped his hands around the bars of his cage that separated them. He was full of energy and consumed with the desire to get out of this cage and into the arena, so, he spoke without thinking, laughing outright in reply to Oenomaus' words. "It is not what beats within my breast that inspires the woman, brother. Trust words. She is far more concerned with what resides within my subligaria. That is where her true interests lie."
"So, the rumors are true," Oenomaus said. The Doctore wanted to ask questions, ask how Gannicus ended up in such a predicament, but he did not want to bruise his brother's ego, especially right before contest, so he tried to get Gannicus to discuss it on his own. "It troubles heart to see you so conflicted. I have tried to broach subject in the past, yet you refuse to have words on the subject. Speak now and see burden removed."
Realizing is mistake in admitting his agreement, Gannicus lied. "There is no burden, Oenomaus. I am accepting of my fate."
"And yet you scowl as if yielding to severe punishment."
The blonde gladiator shrugged. "It chafes pride to be ordered to fuck, that is all. However, the woman is beautiful, and cock rises easily in her presence, so the command is not an unpleasant one, brother." He winked. "Trust words."
Oenomaus shook his head. He could see the conflict warring within his brother, but Gannicus was choosing to keep true feelings hidden; Oenomaus had to respect his wishes. So, when he next spoke it was to offer advice as Doctore, rather than brother. "If you will not break words on what ails you, then you must cast it aside and clear mind. Your opponent is a fucking giant with twenty victories under his belt."
"I have seen the man," Gannicus said. "Perhaps I should bring ladder with me into the arena just to reach the man's fucking skull!"
Oenomaus chuckled, but then his face became serious again. "He is a worthy opponent, Gannicus. This is the Primus. You cannot take to the sands afflicted with weakened concentration. It will mean your death."
"My first such prestigious contest," Gannicus mused.
"It will not be your last," Oenomaus said, as he reached through the bars and gripped Gannicus' arm in the salute of their brotherhood. "Focus on the task at hand and do not allow anything take you from the path to victory."
Oenomaus was right. His opponent was superior to those he had been facing recently. One slip could mean his death today. He could not be distracted. With that in mind, he straightened his shoulders and returned his brother's grip. "Your words speak true and are well received. I am set to purpose." He pulled Oenomaus closer to the bars. "It will take more than one giant to bring down the Mighty Gannicus, brother," he said, flashing a cocky grin.
Oenomaus smiled, pleased to see the confident swagger back in his brother's attitude. "I see you have begun to believe Batiatus' inflated tales," he teased, "however in this, I have no doubt, you will be victorious, and honor this House as you always do."
Gannicus nodded and Oenomaus turned to leave, but Gannicus called him back. "Oenomaus," he said softly. "It is you who holds himself with honor. I have not always done so. Gratitude, for seeing me back to proper path." He gave a crooked smile. "If left to my own devices, I tend to wander from it."
"Your dedication warms heart, but I would disagree on one point…" Oenomaus clasped Gannicus's shoulder through the bars brought him close. "You are an honorable man. It is the dishonorable men who never see their faults. When you deliver your opponent a glorious death today, you will prove yourself the Champion I know you to be." The older man turned to leave but paused and turned back to the blonde gladiator once more. "And in doing so, I would hope to see it ease mind of all that does not bother you."
Oenomaus' sarcasm was evident, but his words lifted Gannicus' heart just the same. "I will brother," he said, his meaning two-fold as he set himself to do the right thing for once in his life and not seek out his own desires first. Melitta was not his. She may feel lust and desire for him, but she loved her husband. Gannicus told himself that he had to let her go if he ever wanted to be the kind of man Oenomaus saw him to be; a man he would be proud to call brother.
*8*
The games were fast paced and bloody. Vettius offered a new man in an earlier match, but he had not stirred the crowd as hoped, but Tullius hoped his newest purchase Danaos, scheduled to fight Gannicus, would incite the public and, if he laid waste to the blonde gladiator, then Tullius would be in possession of the gladiator that destroyed the God of the Arena. It was the more acceptable choice than having to face Batiatus' smug face for any longer than necessary!
To everyone's surprise, Crixus had won his battle with Auctus and earned his brand, but it had cost a brother his life in the doing. It was with heavy heart that Gannicus watched the man's body taken past his cell on a stretcher to be dumped with the rest of the dead. He recalled Auctus teasing him and how it had irritated him beyond measure when the man called him 'King Gannicus'. He would suffer through it all over again, if it would bring his brother back.
He glanced towards Crixus, who was being placed in the cell next to him. The Gaul had obviously fought with all his might this day, and Gannicus turned thoughts from the loss of one brother, to the gaining of another. "You have earned your brand," he said softly.
"I did not wish to kill the man," Crixus said collapsing on the bench, obviously tired. "He is the first life I have ever taken in battle."
"You do what you must upon the sands," Gannicus told the other man. "You gave Auctus the end we all desire. A glorious death in the arena. There is nothing but honor in what you achieved today."
"Gratitude," Crixus muttered
Their conversation ended as the guards came to release Gannicus for his contest.
As Gannicus was escorted form his cell, Crixus called out after him, "Do not die today, someday I would have proper contest with you where I am not defeated as easily as I was in our demonstration."
Gannicus glanced over his shoulder, a small smirk playing about his lips. "You still desire to become champion?" Crixus nodded and Gannicus chuckled. "Then I suppose I shall be victorious today," he told his newest brother, a small smile playing about his lips. "I would not deprive you of opportunity to see experience gained through yet another beating."
*8*
Inside the old wooden arena, the seats were packed to bursting. Gannicus had always been a crowd favorite, even when he fought in the matches earlier in the day; however, since the tale of his brawl in the marketplace had spread through Capua, every citizen in the city was anxious to see the man who could kill another man wearing a blindfold and devoid of sight! His name was being whispered amongst the crowd and there was a high level of excitement in the air when the trumpets sounded, heralding the ceremonial pompa that preceded the Primus. Six heavily armored guards marched out of the wooden gate waving the banners of the host, in this case, Varis, as well as the two Houses that waged contest. The guards were followed by two sets of identically dressed slave women who danced behind them, twirling around and tossing flowers into the crowd. The women were topless, their breasts highlighted with a fine golden paint and adorned with flowers woven in their hair and along the gauze skirts they wore.
The crowd leaned forward expectantly as the dancers paraded around the arena, the energy rising until the audience was at a fever pitch awaiting the gladiators to enter next.
After the dancers took their leave, Varis stood to give proper introduction. "Good people of Capua in honor of Bacchus, we are here to celebrate the Vinalia, and pay tribute to the Gods, The Republic and the great city of Capua. Two men shall face each other upon the sands today. One, a God of the Arena. The other," He waved an arm at Tullius, "a Giant among men. it will surely be a match to please all! For Capua! For the Republic! For Rome!" he cried, and the crowd cheered wildly. "Batiatus," Varis said, "Introduce your man."
Quintus stood, and in his usual flamboyant style, he regaled the crowd with flourish. "In honor of Esteemed Varis, Magistrate Sextus, and the good people of Capua, I present the fiercest Celt to ever wield two blades in the Arena. A man so dangerous, he can kill his opponent absent sight to aid his hand. He is the conqueror of giants, the slayer of beasts… Behold, the mighty Gannicus, dimachaerus. God of the Arena and Champion of the House of Batiatus!"
The crowd went wild, leaping to their feet and cheering as the blonde gladiator sauntered out of the 'gate of life' and took to the sands with all the fanfare awarded the Primus. The horns blared again, the guards for The House of Batiatus waved the Batiatus banner of a snarling wolf while Gannicus raised his swords high, his boisterous laughter filling the air as he greeted his adoring fans.
Melitta was pleased to witness the charming, almost gleeful smile he used to sport so often (yet absent of late) returned to his handsome face.
The arena always did seem to be the place he seemed most happy.
Gannicus spun in a circle and roared for the crowd, inciting them to an even greater frenzy. The men shouted, waving their fists in the air. The women in the audience were even louder and more excited. They called his name, tossing scarves or the flowers the dancers had handed out at him so that the sand was littered with their gifts. A few of the more daring fans ripped open their dresses, flashing him their breasts and other body parts attempting to gain his attention.
And Gannicus laughed, eating it up as he pointed his swords to his more ardent admirers, flashing them his charming grin as they screamed and stomped, desperate to receive even a smile from him.
Upon the pulvinus, Melitta rolled her eyes at such immodest displays of affection. Gannicus seemed to make the women in the crowd lose mind in the most depraved fashion!
Varis chuckled at the overly enthusiastic spectacle. "The crowd certainly approves of your man…" he said to Quintus as he reclaimed his seat upon the dais, "listen to how they cheer…especially the women. I believe they moisten at the very sight of the man," he said glancing over his shoulder at Melitta.
Melitta lowered her gaze, blushing at the Roman's suggestive words.
"Gannicus has always inspired the crowd," Quintus said, he glanced to Octavia, his expression reminding of the conversation they had had previously.
"Your words break true, Batiatus," Octavia said, admiring the blonde gladiator and the effortless way he inflamed the public. "I am pleased to see him in his new armor, the galerus especially. Gratitude."
"It is I who is grateful for your generosity. Gannicus was most appreciative of his gifts."
She smiled. "He was pleased then? I had concerns."
Her desire to see Gannicus well satisfied was obvious. Batiatus would not tell her the truth of his gladiator's reaction. "More than pleased," he said, "speechless in fact." Now that was the fucking truth!
When the crowd finally started to die down, Varis stood and turned to Tullius. "It appears we have a giant killer upon the sands." He smirked. "Good Tullius, introduce us to your giant."
The nobles chuckled, while Tullius frowned, unclear if Varis had just offered insult or jest. The merchant dismissed the comment and introduced the gladiator he had acquired specifically to kill Gannicus and have revenge on fucking Batiatus for refusing to sell the blonde gladiator and for maintaining position in today's games.
"Citizens of Capua, my offering does not claim to be a God, he is a Titan!" he shouted, inciting the audience to cheer. "A true giant of a man to rival Cacus himself! This beast hails from Germania, with a record of twenty victories, all ending in death. It is said he once ripped a man's head off with his bare hands! I give you Danaos, Murmillo," he said, telling the crowd the gladiator's fighting style was with large shield, sword and helmet with a fish-like crest. The term 'giant' certainly fit Gannicus' opponent. Danaos was huge, standing nearly a foot taller than the blonde gladiator and heavily muscled. If Gannicus defeated such a man, he could indeed be labeled the 'giant killer' Quintus always called him.
The crowd's reaction (while loud) was noticeably quieter for the German than it was for Gannicus, and Quintus leaned forward to smirk at Tullius, as the man retook his seat, reveling in Gannicus' popularity over his offering, despite Tullius comparing his man to Cacus, a fire-breathing giant. It was a minor victory, but a victory nonetheless, and Quintus as more than pleased.
Gannicus and the massive German faced the pulvinus and bowed to the nobles. The Magistrate, Sextus stood to initiate the match by holding his hand aloft, waiting for the crowd to quiet down. When the arena was silent, he dropped his arm. "Begin."
The crowd roared and Gannicus let out a full-throated laugh as the living mountain charged him, sword raised with deadly purpose. He easily defended the blow, however with Danaos' hulking size, his strength sent Gannicus reeling back a few feet each time he swung his massive sword. At one point, early in the match, Gannicus was on the offensive, slashing at the giant with his swords, when Danaos swung his shield, using it as a weapon. He hit Gannicus along the blonde gladiator's left side and the sheer power behind the blow bloodied Gannicus' lips and nose and sent him soaring across the arena, to land several feet away in a heap upon the sand. Gannicus was stunned and Danaos immediately advanced cross the sand to finish off the smaller gladiator, but Gannicus quickly recovered and rolled away from the man to regain his footing. Enraged his prey had escaped, Danaos charged Gannicus again, angrily swinging his sword with deadly intent, driving Gannicus backwards, using his superior strength to push Gannicus from one end of the arena to the other, seemingly dominating the blonde gladiator for the first several minutes of the bout.
After being hurled across the arena like a rag-doll, Gannicus realized there was no way for him to overpower his massive opponent with an offensive attack so early in the match. Danaos outweighed him by at least fifty libra (pound) and was a good foot taller and, there was no contest as far as brute strength, Danaos was physically more powerful than Gannicus. No. The blonde gladiator knew if he wanted to beat the giant, he had to outwit the man. To that end, he let Danaos charge him repeatedly, deflecting most of his attacks with one of his swords, while allowing the giant to pummel him around the arena, dictating the battle until the bigger gladiator began to get winded. When Danaos' blows no longer physically moved Gannicus backwards upon the sand, Gannicus knew the man's stamina was finally nearing its end.
*8*
Upon the pulvinus, Quintus watched with anxiety as his champion was bullied across the arena by the other gladiator's superior size and strength.
"Is your man ever going to stand and fight?" Sextus, the Magistrate asked Batiatus.
"Perhaps Gannicus should have been blindfolded again," Vettius called out, chuckling. "Without sight to run, he might actually face Danaos and have true contest!"
A round of laughter followed the boy's comment and Batiatus seethed.
"What is he doing, Quintus?" Lucretia leaned forward to ask when Gannicus continued to allow the other gladiator to push him around without countering with a forward assault.
"I don't fucking know," Quintus replied in a huff. He could not fathom why Gannicus was not taking a stand against the other gladiator. It was so unlike the brash and bold gladiator, he had no answer.
Octavia did. And when she started to laugh, Quintus gave her a sideways dirty look until she broke her words. "He is allowing the bigger, stronger gladiator to tire himself out," she announced. "A brilliant move when faced with an opponent of superior size and strength."
Realizing what Gannicus was doing, Quintus' pride in his gladiator's strategic thinking expounded. "He uses strategy, much like Scipio did when faced with Hannibal's elephants and superior numbers in the Battle of Zama."
"Exactly," Octavia agreed. "My brother has often said, when faced with an opponent far bigger and stronger, lure them into depleting their resources and then attack! It had served him well on hundreds of campaigns."
Having heard the conversation, Varis spoke up and added his comment. "Your gladiator thinks boldly, Batiatus, like a Roman. Look at the crowd," he said looking around the arena, noticing the audience leaning forward, waiting as if hanging on their seats. "They know he bides his time, waiting to strike!"
Vettius opened his mouth to interject, thought better of it, and slunk back in his seat like the petulant child he was.
Quintus' smile broadened exponentially as events within the arena unfolded…
*8*
Danaos swung his blade wide, Gannicus easily ducked under the weak attempt and knew Danaos' strength was near done and his was ready to begin. With a burst of sheer adrenaline and excitement Gannicus let loose his offensive attack. With a roar that had the crowd screaming their pleasure, he charged the huge beast, dual swords moving with lightning speed he unleashed his wrath on Danaos, driving his opponent backwards across the sand. The clash of steel upon steel clanged throughout the arena as they fought, Gannicus slashing at his opponent while the German retreated, defending himself desperately as he was relentlessly driven into a corner of the arena. Seeing an opening, Gannicus used the wall to his advantage, and in a bold move, he ran up the side of the blood-stained stone and spun off it, his acrobatics wooing the crowd, as he delivered a punishing kick to the side of the man's head, staggering Danaos and sending his helmet flying across the arena to land in a puddle of blood left by a previous gladiator. The crowd roared its approval and Gannicus drew the first true blood from sword in the next moment when he spun about and with both swords sliced a brutal looking X across the giant's chest, spewing blood upon the sands of the arena.
Danaos fell to his knees and Gannicus kicked him in the face, breaking the man's nose and sending him reeling, before he landed with a thud upon his back.
Gannicus raised his swords to the crowd. "Rrrhhaaaaa!" he screamed, his laughter booming as the blood and the battle made him euphoric with excitement.
While Gannicus was entertaining the masses with his antics, Danaos lumbered to his feet and made move to attack, barreling ahead towards Gannicus's back. But Danaos had used up most of his energy early on, and Gannicus felt him coming long before he arrived. The blonde gladiator easily dodged to the right and used his leg to trip the other gladiator as he sped past him. The man fell, landed on his shield and skidded across the sand while the crowd laughed. Quicker than expected, however, Danaos leaped to his feet again and charged like an enraged bull, sword aimed for Gannicus's head. Yet Gannicus saw the move coming and defended himself against the lethal blow. His swords clashed against the other's man's steel as he beat Danaos back, forcing him to retreat once more. The huge German was enraged and swung wildly, but Danaos' waning strength was no match for Gannicus' dexterity and finesse. In yet another show of his superior skills, the Celt flipped over the bigger man, rolling along the German's back to land on the other side of him. The big oaf tried to turn and fend off Gannicus's maneuver, but the blonde gladiator was wicked fast, landing a deadly slash to the Danaos' kidney area and along his lower stomach, opening an ugly looking wound that had the man's intestines weeping from his belly.
*8*
"His swords move with the speed of Jupiter, unleashing bolts from the heavens!" Cossutius exclaimed, clapping his hand against his other, which held his wine.
Quintus chuckled. "Perhaps Good Vettius and Good Tullius should have realized it would take more than one giant to defeat the Mighty Gannicus!"
"He is truly a beast, Batiatus. Even Hannibal's mighty elephants would fall under your man's might this day," Varis said. "The Gods will be most pleased."
Octavia nodded. "I have never seen the like. Gannicus bears not a scratch, yet the German giant is leaking his innards. A brilliant display, Batiatus, and a match worthy of calling Gannicus, a true God of the Arena."
Quintus soaked up the accolades with great relish. "He is truly a titan, my man." He glanced back to Vettius and grinned at the pitiful expression the boy wore. "No man stands above him," Batiatus added with devious delight.
*8*
The crowd went wild at the sight of blood and tissue squirting from Danaos' body. The end was near. The German was on his last legs of the match. The crowd sensed it and Gannicus soon proved them correct when he kicked the man's shield away and stabbed one of his swords into the giant's gut. More blood sprayed, and the crowd roared its approval. Gannicus gave a snarl and leaped into the air, landing the coup de grâce when he kicked Danaos firmly upon the terrible looking X he had given him earlier, sending the big German sailing through the air to land flat on his back upon the sand, once again.
Gannicus was upon the man in an instant. He kicked Danaos' sword aside and with a thunderous bellow for his audience, he plunged both swords into the giant's stomach; blood spurted red and hot, and the big German screamed in agony as his life-force drained out of him, pooling upon the sand. The public was bloodthirsty at this point and their cheers were near deafening as they raised their fists and made their enjoyment known; shouts of Gannicus's name, "Iugula" (kill him) and the death decree of "periit" filled the air.
Danaos tried getting to his feet, but Gannicus kept him firmly in place, impaled upon his swords with a foot across his neck for good measure as he glanced up to the pulvinus to see if the man would be given a reprieve.
The match was far shorter than anticipated. Gannicus had truly slayed the giant easily, and the disappointment in the German's showing was obvious upon Varis' face, as well as the other nobles. He shook his head, signaling no mercy; and the entire arena screamed with ruthless approval.
It meant death for the German.
Gannicus's gaze went cold and he took on the deadly expression all gladiators possess as he prepared to send his opponent to the shores of the afterlife…
*8*
Up in the pulvinus, Varis and the other nobles raved at Gannicus' performance. The match was over—the German giant beaten. The only thing left was for Gannicus to deliver the death blow.
The crowd and Nobles awaited with eager excitement to see if the blonde gladiator would make it a magnificent spectacle. Tullius and the boy, Vettius, looked sour at the bitter harvest they were reaping at the Vinalia; their twisted vines of treachery were failing to bear fruit, and it soured the event for them both. Gannicus, the gladiator Tullius desired above all others, was laying waste to his man in a most efficient manner. It was an embarrassing loss and Tullius did not appreciate being humiliated.
Quintus could barely contain his excitement. "Have you ever seen the like?!" he enthused. Gannicus was giving proof to what he had always known, the man was a true Champion. He glanced at his father who was also absorbed in the match. "Now you see what I have tried to tell you…" he said to the elder Batiatus, gaining his attention as he gestured towards Gannicus below them. "The man has no equal when he is upon the sands!"
Titus's face showed new admiration. "It appears you were right, Quintus. I have underestimated the man…as I did earlier with Crixus. The Gaul shows great promise and Gannicus is certainly not the same man I left in your care." He gave his son a small smile. "Perhaps you have learned something after all in the passing years," he said, surprising Quintus with the compliment.
Quintus was speechless, and he glanced towards Lucretia, at a loss how to respond to rarely given praise from his father. She smiled and encouraged her husband to return offered olive branch. "Perhaps we both have," he finally said, sharing a rare moment of bonding with his father.
On the other side of the pulvinus, Tullius was smoldering with silent rage. Gannicus was proving himself to be the God Batiatus deemed him. Danaos had been a true killer in the arena, yet Gannicus had disposed of him as if he were nothing more than a gnat. Tullius was alight with impotent rage. Gannicus should be his! It attacked mind and nearly drove him to madness that Batiatus had outmaneuvered him and managed to not only thwart sale but keep Gannicus in the Primus as well. Now the glory the handsome Celt was earning this day was for Batiatus and not him. And then, to add insult to injury, he learned Gannicus was scheduled to appear in The Apollinares through Octavia Severus and her powerful family. He glanced down the dais to the blonde Roman, noticing the way the woman could not take her eyes from the attractive gladiator. She squirmed in chair like bitch in heat, gazing upon Gannicus as if he were golden stallion she wanted to mount and ride to glorious finish.
He had never given much attention to the rumors regarding Octavia's fetish for handsome slaves. He as not personally privy to such discourse, but Varis had mentioned that half the Roman echelon whispered about it behind closed doors, yet it was never brought to light due to the power her family held, along with a healthy fear of reprisal should one get caught speaking out of turn. Her interest only made Tullius more determined to possess the man. Gannicus had proven his expertise in the arena today and could win the hearts of the masses, a difficult feat as the crowd's pleasure was often capricious at best. If he owned the engaging gladiator, not only would he enrich his stable with Champion stock, but Octavia's coin and privilege would flow to him—not Batiatus. Tullius's gaze turned to Titus. The old man was the key to achieving what he desired most, Gannicus, and with him, the favor of the most influential bitch in Rome!
Vettius, on the other hand, had no such devious musings. Like the boy he was, he was simply petulant that (once again) Gannicus had dismantled and taken apart a man he thought unbeatable!
*8*
Down in the arena, Gannicus knew his opponent was finished. He could easily end contest now, yet the crowd was still hungry for more blood and he was of a mind to give it to them.
He kept his swords firmly within the man's gut. "Rise Giant," he said, his teeth flashing white as he grinned, "and give yourself a glorious death on your feet, rather than on your knees."
Surprised at the consideration, Danaos, with Gannicus's swords serving as impetus, slowly labored to his feet. Gannicus looked towards the crowd, smiling at their enthusiastic cheers and then up to the pulvinus. He caught sight of Melitta standing behind Lucretia and Octavia and their eyes met and held. A small smile was upon her lips (as in past matches) and, for a moment, it was as if their friendship was still intact. On an impulse and without thought, he winked at her (as he had many times before); disappointment surged when he saw her eyes widen before she quickly looked away.
Her reaction was bitter reminder of how their relationship had changed since being forced to lay with one another. Angry at himself for giving in to the impulse, Gannicus took out that rage on his opponent by twisting his swords in the man's gut, causing more blood to spray and sending the audience into a frenzy as they howled their approval at his savagery followed by chants of his name.
*8*
Misinterpreting Gannicus' action, Gaia leaned over to Octavia and whispered in her ear, "Did the man just brazenly wink at you?"
Octavia let out a girlish giggle. "I do believe he did. Why do you suppose he would do such a thing?"
Lucretia surreptitiously glanced behind her back and spotted Melitta. The raven-haired slave lowered her gaze, a blush staining her cheeks and Lucretia was sure it was her body slave Gannicus had winked at, not Octavia, however, she found no reason to alert Octavia to her suspicion. Instead, she smiled at Gannicus' benefactor and added, "He obviously wanted you to know this victory was in tribute to you…albeit privately of course, since it is Varis's Primus."
The pleased smile that beamed across Octavia's face spoke clearly how much she appreciated Lucretia's suggestion. "Well, how positively naughty of him," she breathed, her eager gaze going back to the arena and the impressive gladiator who claimed her ardor.
*8*
In the arena…
With the crowd cheering him on, Gannicus knew it was time to end the match with a spectacle that would give Danaos the honorable and glorious death every gladiator wants and leave the audience satisfied as well. He yanked his swords from the German's stomach, spilling the man's intestines in a grotesque exhibition that had the entire arena clamoring for more. Danaos was already dead, but before he could fall forward, Gannicus raised his swords and brought his blades slashing across the man's jugular in a move so swift and brutal, it neatly took the giant's head from his shoulders in one blow!
"Rrrrraaaaahhhh!" he yelled as Danaos' head flew upwards sending blood cascading across the sands of the arena and spraying Gannicus's face, chest and arms, giving him a wild, dangerous appeal that had the horde of spectators gasping in gruesome delight. Gannicus watched the bigger gladiator crumple at his feet, his head spinning round and round mid-air before landing a few feet from where Gannicus stood. He walked over to it, staring down at the German's face frozen in death, eyes and mouth wide open in a ghoulish parody of what the man had looked like in life.
Thinking to add to the onlooker's enthusiasm, Gannicus picked the head up by the hair and held the gruesome trophy aloft for all to see. Thrilled at the surprising move, the audience went ballistic and Gannicus's raucous laughter blended with their screams of approval.
"For you Capua!" he shouted, his smile wide and dazzling as he tossed the bloody memento into the crowd in a macabre display that had the populace rising to their feet, stomping and chanting his name.
The man who caught the grisly trophy held it high, shouting his victory at claiming the prize. Gannicus pointed his sword to the man, laughing boisterously while the audience showered the blonde gladiator with adulation.
"Now you love me Capua!" he shouted, an infectious grin adorning his face.
The crowd gave a resounding 'yes' and Gannicus laughed heartily. Their applause fed a need in him and he ate up their worship with great gusto. As he went take his leave of the arena, Gannicus passed a buxom brunette with a magnificent pair of exposed breasts. She was seated in the front row of the arena upon the benches that were closest to the sand. She yelled his name and held out a rose for him. Gannicus, spotting her state of undress, went to stand before her and reached for her offering. Instead of handing him the rose, however, the woman threw herself at him. A bit unprepared for an armful of woman, Gannicus just managed to catch her and stay on his feet as she wrapped arms around his neck and laid a very heated kiss upon him that had the crowd chanting his name all over again.
Ever the showman, Gannicus dipped the girl over his arm and made a production of kissing her back before returning her to her seat with a dazed look upon her face. The rose dangled limply in her fingers, Gannicus plucked it from grasp, broke off its stem and neatly tucked it behind his ear. He tilted her face up and smiled charmingly. "Gratitude for a most impressive response to my victory."
The woman melted, and the crowd erupted in laughter and another ecstatic display of approval for their charismatic Champion; cries of his name and ribald sentiments such as 'suspirium puellam, Gannicus, thraex' (Gannicus makes the girls moan) followed him long after he exited the arena.
The Nobles applauded Gannicus' victory with the same marked enthusiasm as the spectators below. Varis could not have been more pleased when he said, "What a splendid showing. The crowd adores him. In truth, I cannot recall a gladiator handling the masses so adeptly. The Gods are surely pleased with this offering my crops will be blessed."
Octavia turned to Quintus. "I am truly inspired, Batiatus. Varis speaks true. Not even Argonaut, Champion of Rome, charms the public like Gannicus. The women in the crowd clamor for him in ways rarely witnessed."
Cossutius nodded his agreement to her statement, adding, "It is not just the women he makes scream, Octavia. Listen to them the men all hail him just as loudly. He is most impressive, Batiatus. I would have him for my games."
Quintus opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak, his father stepped in, leaning across Batiatus to make himself present in the conversation "He will be much in demand after this showing. When would you need his services?"
"Three weeks' time; the twentieth of Maius (May) to be exact," Cossutius replied. "I am presenting The Floralia this year, and I cannot think of a gladiator better suited to honor the Goddess of Fertility and the spring harvest than your man, Gannicus, the gladiator who makes the girls moan."
Batiatus had heard the calls from the crowd as well and chuckled in response to Cossutius' remark. "The man does receive more than his fair share of female companionship. I can promise you that."
Uncomfortable with where the conversation was headed, Titus cleared his throat and steered discussion back to topic. "If you would like to procure the man for the Floralia," he said to Cossutius, "it can be arranged. Come to the ludus and we will discuss terms."
Cossutius glanced at Quintus, a puzzled frown upon his face, but nodded at Titus when Batiatus remained mute. "I will do so upon the morrow."
Quintus sat back in his seat in quiet fury. His father had never uttered a word of praise for Gannicus until today, the day Gannicus achieves true glory upon the sand. And yet, his father would seek to take over negotiations for the man as if responsible for making him champion! Quintus turned back to look at his wife and they shared an angered, confused (but silent) exchange. So much for his father's earlier praise. Gannicus was his success! How dare his father stick fucking nose into his business regarding the blonde gladiator. Batiatus did not want or need the old man's help and began to plot ways to rid himself of his father's overbearing presence.